I Didn’t Realize How Much Impact The Smashing Machine Actually Had On The Rock In The Live-Action Moana

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It’s often said that each acting role leaves a lasting impression on a performer. But for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, one role actually seemed to change his physique, influencing another. Before he started filming the live-action *Moana* remake, Johnson underwent a significant physical transformation for the A24 film *The Smashing Machine*. It turns out that transformation stayed with him, and it unexpectedly affected how he portrayed Maui.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is returning to a beach setting for an upcoming Disney live-action film, but this time he brought a lot more than just his charisma and famous tattoos. In a recent interview with Variety, Johnson discussed how challenging it was to film Benny Safdie’s highly anticipated 2025 movie, both emotionally and physically. He revealed that after gaining significant muscle to play real-life fighter Mark Kerr, he had only two weeks to prepare before starting work on the Moana live-action film. He explained:

It wasn’t just about gaining weight; I was building strong, explosive muscle – important for wrestling. This wasn’t about getting a bodybuilder’s physique. I focused heavily on strengthening my traps and neck, because older wrestlers often lacked that strength. I maintained that weight for over three months, and then just two weeks later, I started filming ‘Moana,’ working with Mark Kerr and portraying Maui – both very physically imposing characters.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s preparation for each role went beyond simply getting bigger. For *The Smashing Machine*, he focused on training like a wrestler to capture the raw power of the character, unlike a typical bodybuilding approach. While this resulted in a powerful physique similar to Maui in *Moana*, the goals were very different. *Smashing Machine* required a physically intense and emotionally raw performance, whereas *Moana* called for a charming and captivating presence, fitting for a Disney film. Johnson had to skillfully balance both demands.

Dwayne Johnson has noticeably changed his physique recently. Those following his red carpet appearances have seen him get much leaner, as he’s lost weight for a new role. According to People magazine, Johnson is working with director Daniel Safdie again – they previously collaborated on *The Smashing Machine* – but this project is a surprising departure from their previous work. He shared details with the audience at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF):

I’m thrilled to be making a movie called Lizard Music, adapted from a novel by Daniel Pinkwater. It’s about a quirky, eccentric man in his seventies known as the Chicken Man, and his best friend – a chicken of the same age! I’m really hoping to fully immerse myself in the role, similar to how I was able to with Smashing Machine. I can’t wait to get started.

Dwayne Johnson’s career is at a really exciting point. After roles in films like *The Smashing Machine* and *Moana*, he’s once again collaborating with the Safdie brothers for a challenging new part. It’s clear he’s dedicated to taking on diverse and interesting roles, and he’s truly evolving as an actor.

As the live-action *Moana* gets closer to its 2026 release, we’re getting a peek at how the characters are being brought to life. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson won’t just be a digitally created Maui; he’s physically embodying the role, quickly transitioning from his previous part in *The Smashing Machine*. It seems he’s bringing a lot of that character’s intensity and physicality to the role of Maui, which is a surprisingly compelling take I’m really excited to see.

Fans of Dwayne Johnson have two dates to remember! His new movie, *The Smashing Machine*, comes out October 3rd. And for those excited about Disney’s *Moana*, the live-action remake will be in theaters on July 10, 2026.

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2025-09-28 00:12